Description
Aptenia cordifolia, commonly known as Baby Sun Rose or Heartleaf Ice Plant, is a fast-growing, low-maintenance succulent ideal for ground cover, hanging baskets, or rock gardens. This evergreen perennial is known for its trailing growth habit, heart-shaped, glossy green leaves, and small, bright pink to magenta daisy-like flowers. The flowers bloom abundantly in spring and summer, adding vibrant splashes of color that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
This plant thrives in warm, sunny climates and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens. Its sprawling nature allows it to form dense mats of greenery, making it excellent for erosion control on slopes or as a filler between rocks and pavers. Aptenia cordifolia is also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens.
Key Features:
- Growth Habit: Low-growing, trailing succulent reaching 10-15 cm in height with a spread of up to 90 cm.
- Foliage: Glossy, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves that retain moisture, giving the plant its succulent nature.
- Flowers: Bright pink to magenta daisy-like blooms that open in full sun.
- Light & Water Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal watering once established.
- Hardiness: Best suited for USDA zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual or potted plant in cooler climates.
Uses in Landscaping:
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for covering bare soil, controlling erosion, and suppressing weeds. For complete ground coverage, 9 plants per square meter are recommended.
- Hanging Baskets: Perfect for cascading over the edges of baskets or containers, creating a lush, vibrant display.
- Rock Gardens: Complements the texture of rocks and thrives in the well-draining conditions typical of these gardens.
- Coastal Gardens: Salt tolerance makes it ideal for gardens near the sea.
Care Tips:
- Sunlight: Grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In lower light conditions, flowering may be reduced.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Soil: Prefers sandy, well-draining soil but can adapt to various soil types if drainage is good.
- Frost Protection: Sensitive to frost; in cooler regions, grow it as a potted plant and bring it indoors during winter.
Additional Notes:
Aptenia cordifolia is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also a practical one. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it a go-to choice for low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping. Its cheerful blooms and hardy nature ensure it remains a favorite for gardeners of all experience levels.
Scientific name: Aptenia Cordifolia
Common name: Baby Sun Rose, Heartleaf Ice Plant
Origin: Spain
Height of growth: Up to 10-15 cm
Hardy: No
Heat sensitive: No
Sensitive to wind: No
Delivery form: Balled plants without pot
Additional information
| Weight | 0,2 kg |
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